DIY Birth Photography Tips

The birth of a child is a very special and life-changing experience, and the moment you first meet your baby is one you will want to remember forever. If professional birth photography is out of your budget, but you would like the birth to be captured, you could ask your birth partner to take on the role of photographer. Or, if you’d rather keep your birth partner available to you, you could ask a close friend or family member to capture the vital moments on film. Whoever you choose, here are some tips to help them get the most out of DIY birth photography:

1. Use the best camera you can get your hands on – if you have or can borrow a top of the range camera, that’s great. If not, get hold of the best camera phone or digital camera you can.

2. Practice makes perfect – whatever camera you use, make sure you are well-acquainted with it before the birth. Make sure you understand what each and every button does, and how to find the right setting for your location. You don’t want to miss taking the all-important photograph because you were pressing the wrong button.

3. Have it set up before you need it – if you are using a fancy camera, make sure it is set up in advance. It may take you a while, fiddling with the ISO and other settings, before you can get pictures you’re happy with. Do this in advance, so that when the moment comes, you’re ready. If there is a lot of natural light in the birthing room, you may need to adjust your camera setting as the day progresses. The right setting at noon, will be very different to the setting needed at midnight.

4. Ask for the ground rules – your job is to capture the birth, not to risk upsetting the labouring woman by zooming in on the crowning shot. Ask the couple what they would like you to capture. Do they want photographs of the labour itself, the moment of childbirth, or just the first cuddles with their baby? Does she want it to be a strictly above-the-bump affair, or is she happy for you to capture the entire scene?

5. Adapt, and fast – no matter what ground rules you had, people are free to change their mind. If the capture-everything woman is now screaming at you to go away, then you should. But hang around, she might change her mind when the baby arrives, and she wants some special photographs.

6. Don’t get in the way – there will be healthcare providers with jobs to do, so make sure you’re not in the way. Most hospitals will be happy for you to be there, until you start getting under their feet, and then they’ll quickly tell you to leave. Stay out of the way, and try to shoot as a fly on the wall.

7. Photograph the details – it’s not just the photos of the first family cuddle, it’s also the little memories that are great to look back on. The tiny hospital band wrapped around the ankle of a newborn, the mother-to-be receiving a much-needed back massage from her birth partner, and a few establishing shots of the room itself, with the door number visible.

8. Save them immediately – take your laptop with you, so you can upload the photos straight away. It’s not worth risking a lost laptop case or corrupt memory card, just do it while you’re at the hospital to be safe. This has the added benefit of giving you a laptop to keep yourself occupied if you have a long wait at the hospital.

Who will be taking the first photos of you with your newborn baby?

You can also use our Baby+ App for iPhone / iPad or Android to capture your baby’s milestones and unforgettable moments, or use the App to create a time-lapse video by taking a picture of your baby every day. The App will then automatically produce a beautiful video. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Five Inspiring Ideas for Push Presents

‘Push presents’ are a relatively new phenomenon, and are by no means common practice just yet. Some people think it’s a nice way to acknowledge the occasion, and others feel it is an unnecessary gift when the baby is reminder enough. Whatever your personal feelings, you won’t want to be the only new dad showing up to the postnatal ward empty handed, especially when all the other new mums are cooing over their gifts. So, here are five inspiring ideas for push presents, whatever your budget:

1. The classic choice – jewellery is the classic option for push presents. Some fathers choose to give their wife a third ring to wear on her wedding finger, and others choose to have a locket inscribed. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something your wife will love, and a piece she will want to wear to all occasions.

2. The modern alternative – some women want to learn to take better photographs so they can capture their growing child, others may want to start an online journal to record life as a new mother. Whatever your partner’s ambitions, you could treat her to a piece of technology that will make it that little bit easier – a new camera for photographs, or a laptop to use for blogging. Or maybe you’d like to treat her to a tablet or smartphone so she can keep herself entertained during the (many) hours she’s about to spend trapped under a sleeping baby.

3. The budget choice – becoming a parent can be an expensive hobby, so you are forgiven for not having much spare cash lying around for a push present. A push present doesn’t have to be expensive, it just needs to be a nice reminder of what your partner did, and how impressed you were. A nice frame is a perfect present – it won’t break the bank, she will be able to keep it forever, and she’ll be able to decide which photograph goes in it.

4. The artistic gift – you could hire a local artist to create a custom print of your new family. You can get amazing illustrators who will be able to capture both you and your partner, while creating a generic new baby so that the gift can be ready before the birth. Or, you could wait until after, and have an artist paint a picture from your first family photograph.

5. The sentimental reminder – this needn’t cost you a penny, all you need is a pen, some paper, and some time to note down your thoughts and feelings. As well as feeling exhausted, you will probably be overwhelmed with love for your partner after the birth. Take this opportunity to note down how you feel, and exactly what she means to you. She will be able to keep the letter forever, and look back on it to remember this important occasion in your joint history.

What push present are you hoping to receive, or do you see it as an unnecessary luxury?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

I’ve Passed My Mucus Plug … Is Labour Imminent?

The mucus plug (also known as the operculum) is a thick glob of cervical mucus that blocks the cervical canal during pregnancy. The mucus plug prevents bacteria from getting inside the uterus and keeps the uterus sterile for the developing baby. Before the baby is born, the mucus plug is expelled to allow the baby to pass through the cervix.

What does a mucus plug look like? The mucus is usually thick, clear and sticky. It can look similar to nasal mucus, but is usually thicker. Towards the end of the pregnancy, as the cervix starts to efface in preparation for labour, the mucus may be tinged pink or slightly bloodied. It is sometimes known as a “bloody show”. Some women lose their mucus plug all at once, but for most it is a gradual process.Many women don’t even notice it happening due to the increase in vaginal secretions.

I’ve passed my mucus plug, is labour imminent? I hate to disappoint you, but passing the mucus plug is not a clear indication that labour is about to start. In fact, some women pass their mucus plug weeks before going into labour. However, passing the mucus plug does mean that your body is starting to prepare for labour. If you have passed your mucus plug before going into labour, your cervix will continue to secrete mucus and then plug will rebuild itself. Amazing, right? Some women even report losing their mucus plug more than once. Some women will only lose their mucus plug when they are in the throes of labour, and this is totally fine too.

Should I call my healthcare provider? If the mucus is clear, tinged pink or slightly bloodied, then there is no need to contact your healthcare provider. There is also no need to keep a sample of your mucus plug to show to your healthcare provider at your next appointment. However, you should mention to your healthcare provider that you have passed the plug when you next see them. If your mucus plug is bright red in colour, or excessive in quantity (more than two tablespoons), you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. These symptoms can be indicative of more serious conditions including placenta previa or placental abruption. If you see blood-tinged mucus before the 36th week of your pregnancy, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Finding the Right Childbirth Class

You just found out you’re expecting – congratulations! Consider researching options for childbirth classes now. Though you likely won’t attend a class for a while, some facilities do offer healthy pregnancy courses, and may have waiting lists for their childbirth preparation classes. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind for finding the right childbirth class.

You’ll want to find classes that meet your specific needs. For instance, if you’re planning to have an epidural, your local hospital may have a workshop taught by the anesthesiologist about your birth options. If you want a natural birth, on the other hand, you may want to take a longer course. Ask your healthcare provider what classes he or she recommends. Your planned birthplace may offer classes, or you may find instructors who offer private classes in your community.

Childbirth preparation commonly focuses on what to expect during labor, birth and the early postpartum. Look for accredited instructors who keep their credentials current. Make sure the course you choose corresponds with your own philosophy of birth. Ask friends and family what classes they recommend – they know you best and may know if specific classes – or instructors – are a good fit. Some types of classes you may hear about include:

Lamaze: Lamaze classes teach women that birth is normal, and focus not only on the birth process, but on informed decision-making, relaxation techniques, and optimal positioning for birth, as well. These classes differ in length, and usually encourage you to bring a partner along.

The Bradley Method: Also sometimes referred to as Husband-Coached Childbirth, this method trusts that all women – with the help of a good coach and favorable circumstances – can give birth naturally. Classes are typically 12 weeks long, and cover nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and the birth process.

HypnoBirthing: The HypnoBirthing method teaches mothers relaxation and focusing techniques that will limit the fear and tension during childbirth. The repetition of these techniques before birth will condition the mom to use them when labor begins.

Birthing From Within: Birthing from Within believes “childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event.” These classes focus on the spiritual transformation of birth, and the ways women can forge their own path to a meaningful birth. While the birth process is integrated into teaching, women are guided in finding their own way through the “labor-inth” of birth.

Other options may exist in your community, but be sure to investigate if they are right for you.

Research has found that women who attend a class to prepare for the birth of their baby use pain medication less often, have shorter labors, have a lower chance of cesarean birth, and have a more positive outlook on their birth experience. They are more likely to have confidence in their bodies and in their ability to give birth.

Have you decided on a childbirth class?

Written by Michelle, lactation consultant, childbirth educator, writer, editor and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Episiotomy: What You Need to Know

An episiotomy is a surgical cut to your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus). To perform an episiotomy, your healthcare provider will use surgical scissors to make a small cut in your perineum shortly before the baby is delivered. The area will be numbed using a local anaesthetic administered by injection.

Will I need an episiotomy?

Historically, episiotomies were considered a routine part of labour. These days, however, this is not the case. Episiotomies should now only be used if medically necessary. If given without reason, an episiotomy can actually do more harm than good.

Many women find that they tear slightly during labour. Studies have found that natural tears heal better and are less painful than episiotomies.

Although episiotomies are now used less frequently, they may still be recommended in some circumstances such as:

  • fetal distress
  • ventouse (vacuum) or forceps delivery
  • shoulder dystocia

How to avoid an episiotomy

Of course, you will find it very difficult to avoid a necessary episiotomy, and may even, in some circumstances, welcome it as a way to ensure the health of your baby and yourself. However, many women want to avoid the use of unnecessary episiotomies. There are a number of ways to avoid episiotomies in the delivery suite:

  • Discuss it in advance. If you feel strongly that you would like to avoid medical interventions like episiotomies, speak to your healthcare provider about this. Try to find a healthcare provider who shares your views on labour and intervention. Write a birth plan, and be sure to note down your reluctance towards an episiotomy.
  • Labour in upright positions such as standing or squatting.
  • Hypnobirthing and relaxation techniques during labour may reduce your risk of medical intervention, as does hiring a doula for childbirth support.
  • Apply a warm compress to the perineum during labour.

To avoid natural tearing, you should refrain from pushing when the baby’s head becomes visible during labour. By taking a number of short, panting breaths, you allow your perineum time to stretch. Your midwife will guide you through this process and instruct you when to alter your breathing pattern.

Healing after an episiotomy or tear

The perineum is actually designed to stretch and tear, so the good news is that it heals quickly. Once the placenta has been delivered, your healthcare provider will examine you. If you require stitches for your natural tear or episiotomy, dissolving stitches will be used. This will be done soon after labour.

Dissolving stitches take up to one month to heal. Your healthcare provider will check that the cut has healed at your six week check.

You may find that you feel sore and tender for a number of days following the birth. Most women report no discomfort just a week after the birth, however for some women the pain can last up to a month or longer.

If you are experiencing pain after an episiotomy or natural tear, you may find that the following remedies help to relieve discomfort:

  • applying an ice pack to the area
  • pelvic floor exercises – these will increase blood flow which aids healing
  • pouring warm water from a jug onto the area during urination
  • taking warm baths – regular bathing also minimises the risk of infection
  • light exercise such as walking can improve blood circulation and aid healing
  • air the stitches – lie on your bed with the stitches exposed for 10 minutes a day
  • speak to your healthcare provider about over-the-counter pain relief

If you are worried that your stitches may be infected, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Signs of infection include red swollen skin, any pus or discharge and constant pain.

Sex after an episiotomy

Your perineum should be completely healed by your six week check. Your healthcare provider may advise you to wait until your six week check before having sex.

Nine in 10 women who had episiotomies found sex to be painful at first, so you may find sex to be slightly uncomfortable. You may find that you feel tighter, or more tender, than before. The pain will disappear over time. Allow plenty of time for foreplay, use a water based lubricant and experiment with different positions until you find one that feels most comfortable.

Do not have sex until you feel ready, and always stop if you are experiencing pain. Remember, penetration isn’t the only way to have a sexual relationship; there are other ways to be intimate.

Some women report that sex is painful for a number of months after an episiotomy or natural tear. If you are worried about the pain, please speak to your healthcare provider.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

10 Secrets to Help Ease Labour

Labour can be a very painful experiences. Knowing some of the ways to ease the pain, may contribute to having a better labour experience. If you are an expecting mother planning on having a natural birth, and would like to see labour as a rewarding and less painful experience, here are 10 secrets you should know!

1. Stay Fit

Expecting mothers who stay fit usually have shorter labours compared to those who are either overweight or underweight. Fitness improves the endurance of a pregnant woman, making her more able to tolerate the pain. You can keep fit by swimming, walking, or taking a prenatal exercise class.

2. Take a Childbirth Class

To help you feel less anxious, familiarise yourself with the stages of childbirth and practice comfort measures before the big day. Take childbirth classes in small groups, with a certified instructor, and goals that coincide with yours.

3. Find a Good Support

Although your partner will most likely be by your side throughout the labour, you may want to add more people in your support group. According to studies, women with continuous care, provided by a person trained to support labouring women, experience better child births. This lessens the need for caesarean birth and pain medication. Women with such support also experience shorter labour. Discuss this option with your health care provider.

4. Entertain Yourself

First-time mothers experience active labour for 12 to 14 hours. When contractions begin, try to stay calm. Entertain yourself with other activities such as walking, taking a shower, and baking cookies.

5. Eat Some Snacks

To help maintain your energy level, take some light snacks. However, you should avoid fatty foods and hard-to-digest foods to avoid nausea and vomiting. Muscle contractions and rapid breathing may lead to dehydration as well. So, drink enough clear liquids at home and once you arrive at the hospital. Let you healthcare providers know when you feel thirsty.

6. Take a Shower

Pain causes tension in your muscles, adding more discomfort. A warm shower can relieve the pain, especially by aiming the showerhead at the area where the contractions are most intense. Just ask if you can use the shower during labour in hospital.

7. Immerse in the Tub

Immersing yourself in the tub can provide pain relief. You can change positions easily in the tub by sliding around in the warm bath. Aim your lower back at the jets to ease your intense contractions. Most hospitals provide a birth pool, but you may need to ask in advance.

8. Get a Massage

Labouring women who receive massages from their partner feel less pain and anxiety during childbirth. Inform your partner what feels best – a shoulder or a neck rub, or even a simple hand or foot rub.

9. Do Not Lie Down

Stay upright all throughout the labour. It will help your cervix dilate. Also, you can try standing, squatting, or kneeling to lessen the discomfort and hasten delivery.

10. Entonox (gas and air)

Entonox (also known as laughing gas) won’t remove all the pain but it can help to reduce it and make it more bearable. Many women like it because it’s easy to use and they control it themselves. It’s safe for your baby and the extra oxygen you breathe in may even be good for you and your baby. Although Gas and Air doesn’t take away the pain entirely, they do take the edge off contractions. This method isn’t available everywhere, so you may want to check with your birth location ahead of time.

Written by Team Health & Parenting

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

The Advantages & Disadvantages of a Water Birth

An increasing number of women are choosing to spend at least some of their labour immersed in water. For some, this means a few hours in the bath at the start of their labour, and for others it means delivering their babies in a birthing pool. Birthing pools are now a common sight in birthing centres in the UK, and some women even choose to hire birthing pools for use at home. Water births are less common in the US, though many women still choose this option when planning a home birth.

If you are currently writing your birth plan, you may be considering water birth as an option. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages or water births:

The advantages:

  • The warm water can provide relief from the discomfort of labour, and may even be used instead of medical pain relief
  • It doesn’t prevent the use of other medicines, you would still be able to use certain forms of pain relief in the pool. Speak to your healthcare provider to find out more
  • The water can have a calming effect, allowing you to relax during labour which can help labour to progress
  • The water can support your weight, meaning you may find yourself free from the aches and pains of late pregnancy
  • The water can support your weight, leaving you better able to change position and stay upright
  • The pool around you can help you to feel more private and protected. Your healthcare provider will still be able to reach you if needed, though the barrier may help you to feel more in control during labour
  • The calming effect of the warm water can help to lower blood pressure
  • Giving birth in water is thought to reduce the risk of vaginal tearing

The disadvantages:

  • There are some forms of pain relief that are not compatible with the pool, so you may need to abandon the birthing pool if you want to have one of those pain relief options
  • If you get into the pool before labour is underway, there are concerns that you could slow down the onset of labour
  • Birthing pools are not available in all birthing units, you will need to check with your healthcare provider whether you will be able to have one on the day
  • If you are planning a homebirth, you will need to hire a pool yourself which you will need to budget for
  • Not all women experience the pain relieving benefits of water, some simply feel disappointed when they get into the pool

Are you considering a water birth?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Induction Basics

You have passed your due date, and your doctor suggests getting your labor started. Or maybe your water has broken but contractions haven’t begun on their own. Perhaps you or your baby have a complication that necessitates birth sooner rather than later, and your healthcare provider suggests induction.

While the medical technology to bring about labor is exciting, it’s also a little scary if you’re not sure what’s about to happen. Here’s a quick primer on induction basics to help you start your learning:

How is labor induced?

Induction is most often done in the hospital so you and your baby can be monitored for any complications. The most common means of induction are:

– Stripping the membranes: During a vaginal exam, your healthcare provider will push the amniotic sac away from the cervix in an attempt to release hormones to start labor. This is often done during an office visit rather than in the hospital, and it is the least effective means of starting labor. You may experience some cramping and light bleeding afterwards.

– Breaking your water: Artificial Rupture of the Membranes (AROM) is done with a crochet-like hook inserted then removed during a vaginal exam in order to put a hole in the amniotic sac. You would need to be a bit dilated for this procedure to be done. The thought is that without the cushion of fluid, your baby’s head will put pressure on the cervix and stimulate the release of hormones to start labor. AROM is better at stimulating a labor that has slowed than it is at starting a labor from scratch. This can be a long, drawn-out process if your body isn’t quite ready for labor to start, and often leads to  additional interventions, such as continuous fetal monitoring.

– Prostaglandins: Prostaglandins are produced naturally in your body and cause the cervix to soften before labor begins. A synthetic form of the substance can be placed near the cervix or taken orally in pill form.

– Pitocin / Syntocinon: Oxytocin is the hormone of labor that causes the uterine muscle to contract and release, thus opening and thinning the cervix so the baby can be born. A synthetic form of this hormone is often used intravenously to bring on labor contractions (and needs to be done in the hospital). It requires that a mom have an IV line started and often continuous fetal monitoring performed, which may limit her options as far as natural comfort measures. The amount of the drug can be adjusted depending on contraction strength – if contractions remain weak, levels will be increased gradually, and if contractions are too strong, levels can be decreased for your comfort and safety. A woman is much more likely to use pain medication with this type of induction.

Are there any natural ways to start labor?

While not fool-proof, some women decide to avoid the medical induction (therefore limiting the associated interventions) by trying natural means of getting labor started. Some of these might include:

– Sex – orgasm releases oxytocin and semen is full of prostaglandins, though this method only works if your body is already primed for labor to start

– Nipple stimulation – releases oxytocin, can be done manually or with a breast pump, but often needs to be done over a long period of time

– Acupuncture / Acupressure – these methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine have been used successfully for thousands of years to start labor

– Herbs – these are like medications so check with your provider first and work with an herbalist, homeopathic specialist or naturopath to ensure you are using them correctly, some typical ones are evening primrose oil, black cohosh, and raspberry leaf

As with any proposed intervention, ask questions until you feel comfortable making an informed decision about whether or not to consent to induction. Ask about the risks and benefits, the alternatives, and urgency of the situation. Ask how it will be performed, and what will happen if the first method doesn’t get labor going. The answers to these questions, along with the induction basics above, will help you feel confident making the right decision for you and your baby.

Written by Michelle: IBCLC, writer, editor, childbirth instructor, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Five Items You Don’t Need in Your Hospital Bag

It’s easy to get carried away when packing your hospital bag. After all, you may be more used to packing for two weeks by the beach, and so a bare minimal hospital bag can come as a bit of a surprise. Childbirth is one of the great unknowns, so you may find yourself packing for a whole host of different scenarios, just in case. What you really need to do, is pack light and pack sensibly. A huge hospital bag bursting at the seams can be a nuisance on the day. Not only will it be difficult to drag up to the ward, but it may also prove problematic when it comes to find particular items in the bag.

Make sure you can justify everything that goes in your bag, you’ll probably still end up taking more than you need, but at least this might keep things to a minimum. Here are five items you don’t need in your hospital bag:

  1. Books, magazines and films – ‘in case you get bored’, anything in this category should be taken out of the hospital bag immediately. If you arrive at the hospital in the throes of labour, and leave carrying your newborn baby, you won’t have had time to be bored. The only exception to this, is if you are being induced or having an elective caesarean. Both of these could involve a bit of waiting around, so it’s wise to take your own entertainment.
  2. Pre-pregnancy clothes – you may be missing those push up bras, and be desperate to slip back into those much loved skinny jeans, but unfortunately you won’t be leaving hospital in them. After you give birth, you will still have a bump for a short while as your body slowly shrinks back to your pre-pregnant size. You will also still be carrying the extra weight you put on during pregnancy. Take clothes that will allow you to be comfortable after the birth, ideally maternity or loose fitting clothes.
  3. A selection of cute baby outfits – newborns sleep most of the time, so you should pack lots of onesies and sleepwear to keep your little one warm in hospital. Cute as the mini cowgirl outfit complete with hat is, your newborn probably won’t appreciate it just yet. Keep your newborn dressed for sleep, or naked so you can enjoy some skin to skin bonding. Bring an outfit for taking baby home, and plan outerwear according to the weather.
  4. The baby book – much as you want to note down each treasured memory of the birth, you’re not going to have time at the hospital. Chances are, you’ll be exhausted after the birth and will then be busy adapting to your new role as a mother for the remainder of your stay. Leave the baby book at home, but take a pen and paper with you just in case you do feel the urge to write some quick notes down.
  5. Your full make up kit – while you may like a bit of mascara or a touch of blusher, chances are you won’t have time to apply a full face of make up. By all means, take a few of your must-haves, but don’t pack your entire vanity cabinet. Newborn babies take up a lot of time, and you’re likely to be sleeping when not looking after your baby. Your appearance will be far from your mind.

What would you advise expectant parents to leave at home as they head to hospital for the birth?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Blessingway: Celebrate the Mom-to-Be

You’re nearing the end of pregnancy, and everyone is asking what you need for the baby. You have registered at the popular baby superstores for items you’re not even sure you’ll need. Now what? A traditional baby shower will help you assemble many of the basic supplies you need or want for your baby. A Blessingway, however, will supply YOU, the mom-to-be, with the emotional fuel you need for labor, birth and early motherhood.

A Blessingway is rooted in many native traditions, but has evolved into a ceremony that can be adapted to any religious or cultural beliefs to help a woman prepare emotionally and spiritually for the birth of her baby. It is a way to shower a new mother with support to start her journey of motherhood on the right foot. Guests are smoothing the way for her with stories, advice and positive inspiration.

While you likely won’t plan your own Blessingway, here are some tips to share with friends and family for planning an event that will be a cherished memory after the birth:

  • Consider the guest list carefully to include only those closest to the mom-to-be, other women whose opinions she values and trusts, and around whom she can relax and feel comfortable.
  • Keep the mother-to-be’s cultural and religious traditions in mind, and tailor any ceremonies to her. For instance, if she is a devout Catholic, ask her which prayers are most meaningful to her and incorporate those into the celebration.
  • Pamper her. The mom-to-be should be the center of attention at a Blessingway. Give her a foot bath and massage with aromatic lotion or oil, adorn her with a crown or necklace of flowers, cover her baby belly or her hands and feet with henna designs, brush and braid her hair, etc. Be creative. Ask her ahead of time what makes her feel most relaxed, and use that to create a ritual tailored specifically to her.
  • Share stories. Let other mothers talk about their experiences of childbirth and mothering. Instruct everyone ahead of time to keep the tales positive – this is not time for horror stories. Passing along birth wisdom is a precious gift in and of itself.
  • If you include gift-giving, ask guests ahead of time to bring symbolic tokens to support the mother-to-be as she enters labor or as she makes the shift to parenthood. For instance, have each mother bring a bead, and create a necklace for the mom to use as a focal point in labor. Save the gifts from the baby registry for later!
  • Always end with a feast. This is a great time for partners to join the celebration, since the shift to parenthood will happen to them, too! You could ask each guest to bring their favorite dish, or you could create dishes from symbolic foods to celebrate the coming birth.

Use your imagination – you cannot do it wrong – and honor the mother-to-be with the unique gift of a Blessingway.

Written by Michelle: IBCLC, writer, editor, childbirth instructor, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Dancing for Pregnancy and Birth

When you hear the term “belly dancing,” you might imagine a seductive dance performed by scantily clad women in flowing outfits for the pleasure of men. But the roots of these traditional dances are far removed from this purpose.

Across time and cultures, young women at puberty learned about birth through dance (as well as by observing other women labor!). The practiced movements of the birth dances would then be used naturally during the woman’s own labor and birth for mom’s comfort and baby’s progress.

Women are meant to stay active during labor – research shows that movement helps open the pelvis and move the baby down. When allowed to find their own comfort during labor, women typically sway, squat, shift, and dance. If a laboring mom relaxes into her birth dance, her muscles (and her emotions) are loose and open, allowing birth to happen.

Labor is itself depicted in the progression of the movements of belly dancing. Labor starts with the woman as relaxed as possible. Then contractions become more intense – longer, stronger and closer together – until, at the climax, the woman is unaware of the outside world and the baby is born. So too with belly dancing – the dance starts relaxed and the dancer isolates muscles one at a time, moving in tempo. The dance builds, much as the contractions do, and finally at the crescendo of the dance, the dancer is lost in movement and music.

Renowned author and childbirth educator Sheila Kitzinger once wrote, “A Bedouin Arab girl learns a pelvic dance during the puberty…and will belly dance, when she is in labour. The belly dance represents the power of women to produce life.” The benefits of dancing and using your womanly power include:

  • Improved posture, flexibility, balance and co-ordination: As your belly grows, you may become less-than-graceful. Your center of gravity is changed, pulling your lower back forward. Your body is releasing hormones that relax your ligaments, which may make your pelvis (and everything else) ache. Many of the movements of belly dancing – such as hip rolls, circles and figure-8s – are useful for relieving back and pelvic pain during pregnancy and labor. Those movements may even help baby move into a favorable position for birth when used during labor.
  • Maintaining general fitness: Doctors recommend 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily during pregnancy. The non-jarring, non-contact nature of belly dancing fits the bill. In addition, through its connection with deep abdominal muscles, belly dancing helps to maintain the pelvic floor. Try belly dancing instead of doing Kegels! Belly dancing also improves physical endurance, which will be necessary during labor.
  • Better breathing: The movements of belly dancing integrate different types of breathing. Labor requires changes from lower abdominal breathing to chest breathing to panting – and if you’re already used to these changes in dance, you’ll be more prepared in labor.
  • Relaxation: Tension is released when you move your wrists, shoulders, ankles, hips, and spine in circles, all movements familiar to those who practice belly dancing.
  • Improved focus: When belly dancing, you often focus on moving only one body part in isolation. This focus can be especially helpful during contractions and when pushing your baby into the world.

As with any exercise program, check with your healthcare provider before you begin to be sure there are no reasons you should avoid certain movements. Avoid back bends and sudden movements, as well as any exercises on your back after the first trimester. Keep your pelvis in a neutral position to avoid strain. Start with a warm up and end with a cool down. Avoid overheating, and stay hydrated before, during and after exercise. If you develop pain, bleeding, shortness of breath, headache, faintness, nausea, contractions, or fluid leakage from the vagina, stop exercising and check with your healthcare provider.

Learning belly dancing while you’re pregnant can be a fun way to meet other pregnant moms while you prepare for birth. Check with your healthcare provider or childbirth class instructor to see if there are any prenatal belly dancing classes in your area. Or consider online videos or DVDs that will allow you to learn in the comfort of your own home.

Have you danced for birth?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Your Newborn: The First Hour After Birth

For 9 months, your baby is kept at a toasty temperature, comfortably protected all around by amniotic fluid, hearing your voice and the metronome of your heartbeat. At birth, this all changes and your baby needs to quickly adapt to the outside world: from weightlessness to gravity, from the warmth of your body temperature to the cooler room temperature, from the constant contact with you to the openness of the world.

One of the most important plans you can make for your birth is arranging to spend the first hour or so after birth skin-to-skin with your newborn. Research shows that babies kept skin-to-skin have a steadier heart rate and temperature, better respiration, normal blood sugar levels, and less crying.

Experts have also found that newborns display a distinct progression of behaviors in the first hour after birth that facilitate adaptation to the outside world, as well as initiation of breastfeeding.

According to Widström and colleagues, here are the 9 stages you can expect when a baby is placed skin-to-skin with mom after birth:

1. The Birth Cry occurs immediately after birth, as your baby’s lungs expand.

2. Relaxation comes quickly in a baby skin-to-skin with mom as the baby reorients. This is a brief period of no mouth or hand movements from baby.

3. Awakening occurs about 3 minutes after birth, when baby will begin to thrust head and shoulder, open his eyes and start making small mouth movements.

4. More Activity starts about 8 minutes after birth with an increase in mouth and suckling movements, including a more pronounced rooting reflex. Baby’s eyes will be open; he will be searching visually and may look at the breast. You may notice him moving his mouth from side to side on mom’s skin, rubbing his cheek against mom, salivating, and sticking his tongue out. He may move his hand to his mouth and even to mom’s breast and back to his mouth. He may massage the breast with both hands, and may lift part of his body off of mom in an effort to get closer to the breast.

5. Periods of Rest typically follow periods of activity throughout the first hour.

6. Crawling motions start about 35 minutes after birth. Baby may use his legs and arms to propel himself toward the breast – this might include leaping, sliding, or crawling.

7. About 45 minutes after birth, a stage of Familiarization starts where baby might lick the nipple, touch or massage the breast, look at mom, or move his hands from mouth to breast and back. This stage might last for as long as 20 minutes.

8. About an hour after birth, the baby begins Suckling – self attaches and suckles at the breast.

9. Finally, baby starts recovery with a period of Sleep. This may start 1 ½ to 2 hours after birth.

Babies will complete these stages at their own individual pace, and shouldn’t be forced or rushed. Mom may need to provide some support so baby doesn’t flop off of her body, and she can guide the breast when baby is ready to begin suckling. If you have used pain medications during labor, it may take your baby longer to complete the stages and start to suckle. If you have had a cesarean birth, this first hour skin-to-skin is still possible, but may take more preparation before the birth to get everyone onboard and a plan in place.

If the facility where you plan to give birth does not routinely practice skin-to-skin at birth, you may need to make arrangements ahead of time. Your time skin-to-skin will work best if:

  • Baby is placed belly-down, directly on your chest or abdomen, right after he is born.
  • Baby is dried while skin-to-skin. Both of you can then be covered with a blanket, if necessary.
  • Baby’s hands are not b wiped, and your breasts are not washed or wiped before feeding.
  • Newborn assessments (such as APGAR scoring) are completed with the baby skin-to-skin with mom.
  • Complete interventions (such as suctioning) while baby is skin to-skin or can be delayed until after the first breastfeeding has taken place, barring any emergency situations.
  • Raise the head to the bed or giving mom extra pillows may help with visual contact between mom and baby and with supporting her as baby begins to move.
  • You continue skin-to-skin contact until the first breastfeeding has taken place.

Have you planned for spending time skin-to-skin with your baby?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.